City survived a tense finish against the Sky Blues to preserve their perfect start to the season, with several important saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma helping them secure the victory.
Haaland maintained his impressive early-season form by scoring for the third consecutive game. He converted Antoine Semenyo’s deep cross after Fernandez had released the Ghanaian with a precise through-ball.
Deployed as a number eight, Argentina international Fernandez had the freedom to move around the pitch and make late runs into the penalty area. He recorded six touches inside the opposition box, with only Haaland registering more on 11.
Fernandez came close to marking his debut with a goal, but two of his attempts were blocked before fellow summer arrival Ayyoub Bouaddi replaced him in the 76th minute.
The 18-year-old Morocco international is another part of City’s revamped midfield and demonstrates the depth available to Maresca following the exits of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.
Ndiaye, meanwhile, became the first Senegalese footballer to play for City. His speed and skill are likely to cause problems for opposing defenders, and no player attempted more dribbles during the match than his eight.
Maresca said: “It was the first appearance for us from Enzo and Iliman, while Ayyoub and Ryan [McAidoo] also played in front of our supporters for the first time.
“That is one of the many reasons I am pleased with the victory. I thought every one of them performed well.
“Ili had completed only two training sessions with the team. He still has to learn our movement because he was often occupying the wrong areas, but he will certainly improve with experience.”
Providing more detail about Ndiaye’s display, Maresca said: “Whenever Marc Guehi had possession, he dropped deep too frequently, which is not what we require from him.
“We want him positioned further forward in the attacking third. The deeper space should generally be occupied by Josko Gvardiol.
“The same principle applies on the opposite side. These adjustments are natural, and the players will understand our preferred style as they spend more time with the team.”
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